Are You a Preacher?

So this morning a fellow-laborer asked me if I was a preacher. Without hesitation I answered, "Yes. Yes, I am. I had a problem originally, being a woman, but God said . . ."

He nodded, smiling, "That explains a lot."

Two years ago my answer would have been, "No, I just repeat what He tells me." Today, it's emphatically, "Yes!"

Not only am I comfortable with that title these days, but I am also quite comfortable teaching,  preaching, and ministering as one in that position. I get up each day asking the Lord to lead me in being the witness He would have me be -- reaching out to those I encounter as the Spirit wills. Now this has led to a wide variety of opportunities to His glory, and constant amazement on my behalf as He proves over and over again just how able He is to work with the truly willing. I, literally, just show up expecting Him to be Himself, and He never disappoints. It's one of those things I think far too many just do not "get" today -- that the God of the Bible truly is the exceedingly great "I AM". 

We have so many false or pseudo heroes today. We have comic book supermen and women. We have imagined rescuers, fanciful enemies, and mythical wars. Some are so caught up in these superfluous worlds that they fail to realize we have very real extraordinary warriors, diabolical villains, and world-shattering wars around us all the time.

Seriously. At any given time there are angels -- of varying sizes and positions -- listening for faith to come out of our mouths. There are demons -- also of varying sizes and positions -- desperately trying to make us stumble or fall. And there are very real wars going on between those forces for the souls of men. The godly angels make our imaginary heroes look like children at play, and the demonic side make our villains appear childishly inept. It's hard not to wonder if the imaginations of man aren't just a little bit tainted by the reality that can only be seen spiritually.

Above it all God sits enthroned in Heaven. The Bible says we are like "grasshoppers" before Him (Isa 40:22). Yet, He waits, that He might show us compassion (Isa 30:18) We are insignificant puffs of dust in His hands, but He loved us so much that He sent His only Son to suffer and die, even to be humiliated, that we might be saved.

So, yes, I am a preacher, because the Great God of Heaven loved me so much that I am truly nothing if I fail to love Him back by taking the truth of His word to those who will hear it. How else are they to know? If no one shall take His word to them, how else are they to be saved? How else shall I glorify Him? I tell you the truth:  If I am silent, then I make a mockery of the sacrifice of His Son, my LORD.

Two years ago I would have fumbled my words, not knowing how to respond. I would have been uncomfortable with making such bold statements. Today I stand on the street and preach as loud and clearly as I possibly can -- without shame, without fear, without hesitation, and I am very much aware that the demons and principalities tremble when I do. What a difference a couple of years make.